The Recently Appointed PM Hopes to Leverage Abe's Legacy in Crucial Talks with Trump.
The nation's freshly appointed leader, Takaichi, is ready to face her initial significant foreign policy challenge as she sits down with former US President Trump for high-stakes discussions in the Japanese capital.
Attention of their meeting is anticipated to center on trade and security matters, signaling a pivotal juncture for Japan's ties with its influential partner.
The Historic Leadership and International Introduction
Takaichi, who just became Japan's initial woman leader after winning the top position of the governing LDP, made her international introduction at the recent Asean summit.
However, her forthcoming talks with Trump is considered the true test that will establish the direction for coming two-way cooperation.
Navigating Internal and Global Challenges
Takaichi confronts a possibly unstable government landscape, having established a coalition that puts her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the powerful chamber of the Diet.
This means, her government will rely on other MPs to pass legislation, introducing a element of difficulty to her governance.
Common Perspectives and Diverging Policies
She holds the former president's suspicion of China's military presence in the region, but both nations have experienced challenges from his "America-first" economic approach.
Lately, the former president oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodia authorities during the initial stage of his Asia visit.
Military Build-up and Spending Pledges
Takaichi has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's military expansion, aiming to raise defense spending to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.
This move matches a longstanding request from the former US leader and signifies the largest military buildup for Japan since the WWII.
Security Cooperation and Strains
Japan has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and intends to deploy domestically developed longer-range systems.
But, the two-way defense treaty remains a source of strain, with the former president earlier suggesting that Japan should contribute more for hosting US troops on its territory.
Economic Outlook and Negotiations
Not many expect significant agreements on economic issues this week, particularly after recent tariff adjustments offered a degree of ease to Japan's economy.
Takaichi is expected to pursue further relief by committing to greater acquisitions of American products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.
Personal Rapport and the Abe Connection
The importance Trump places on individual rapport could work in the PM's favor, given her strong ties with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of his preferred international figures.
He was the initial international figure to meet Trump after his victory, and the pair built a strong relationship over shared interests such as the sport.
Forthcoming Schedule and International Implications
Trump's trip to Japan will begin with a audience with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in the capital.
This will be followed by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the same venue where Trump met with the former leader in 2019.
Afterward, the former president will travel to South Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to engage with Chinese president Xi Jinping.
